Skate Previews:

Rollerblade's Holiday Releases

Skate maker releases 2008 models

By Planet staff
Oct 18, 2007

Rollerblade is releasing eight of its new 2008 fitness skates in time for the holiday shopping season.

The skates are from the mid to low end of the company's product line with prices ranging from $99-179 (USD). Rollerblade usually releases its more expensive skates in February, closer to the start of the outdoor skating season.

The company is also releasing three adjustable-length children's skates and a new aggressive skate, the TRS DT4.

Crossfire and Activa

The most expensive of the new releases are the Crossfire 4.0 and Activa 4.0. These sturdy fitness skates are fraternal twins, nearly identical except for fit and styling.

The silver and orange Crossfires are for men; the silver and red Activas are for women.

Both feature 84mm wheels, aluminum frames and Rollerblade's easy to use TFS closure system. They also come with a ratcheting cuff buckle.

Their expected street price is $179.

Astros 10.0 and Wings 10.0

A step down from the Crossfires and Activas are the Astro 10.0 (for men) and Wing 10.0 (for women), another matching set.

These skates (expected street price: $149) are similar to their pricier siblings.

They feature the same rugged Alu-Tech frame. But instead of 84mm wheels, they come with 80mm wheels, which are less of a challenge for inexperienced skaters. (Skaters have the option of upgrading to 84mm wheels later.)

The Astro/Wing 10.0s boast another feature aimed at new skaters: Rollerblade's adjustable brake. A lever on the brake allows skaters to move worn brake pads closer to the ground for easier stopping.

When Rollerblade introduced the adjustable brake last year, it had three height settings. This year it has four.

One thing the Astros and Wings lack is a fancy closure system. Instead of TFS laces and ratcheting buckles, you get regular laces, heel straps and ankle buckles.

Astro 8.0 and Wing 8.0

The Astro 8.0 and Wing 8.0 models occupy the next step down in Rollerblade's product line. This matched pair (Astros for men, Wings for women) are aimed at safety conscious, casual skaters.

They differ in two respects from the Astro/Wing 10.0 models.

Instead of adjustable brakes, they feature Rollerblade's cuff-activated ABT-Lite system. Using it, skaters do not have to lift the toe of their skates to brake. Instead, they simply push their braking skate forward, which automatically lowers the brake pad to the skating surface.

Th Astro/Wing 8.0s are the only models that come with this time-tested braking system.

Instead of an aluminum frame, the Astro/Wing 8.0s come with one made of fiberglass and reinforced nylon. While sturdy, the frame is not designed to withstand the same abuse as an aluminum frame.

The estimated street price of these skates is $129.

Spiritblade

Rollerblade is also releasing updated versions of its entry level rec skates: the Spiritblade III and Spiritblade III W.

These beginner skates (expected street price: $99) are very similar to last year's Spiritblades.

But there are a few differences: the new Spiritblades come with 78mm wheels (up from 76mm) and Rollerblade's new adjustable brake.

The Spiritblades provide more ankle support than any other Rollerblade model and a plush liner for added comfort.

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